Where Least Expected, Mentor Found.

I’d heard it used by a lot of Soldiers to describe an important person in their lives. A person who’d had most impacted their lives or their careers for the good was their mentor.

Mentors give good advice. They listen. They teach. And they let you discover your mistakes.

I’ve never really had a mentor before this deployment. I’d sort of gave up looking for one. It’s rare I see someone I want to emulate. Not that I’m that good. I’ve just always had high standards for a mentor.

Why settle?

But, I’m happy to say I finally found a great mentor. And this Soldier has a lot of qualities I’d like to grow in myself. I just hope I don’t bother them.

When someone points out how your weaknesses extend from your strengths, and vice versa, and holds you accountable for improving yourself over time, it means a lot.

I’d never had that before in a leader. It’s nice.

Now I know what a mentor is through experience. And I like it. I like it a lot.